TownTalk: The Red Cross And International Humanitarian Law

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Whether it’s conducting a blood drive to ward off a summer shortage at local hospitals or providing aid to civilians caught up in the turmoil of armed conflict, one of the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross is to reduce human suffering.

And Thomas Harper, senior legal advisor for the American Red Cross in international humanitarian law, told guest co-host Phyllis Maynard that the Red Cross/Red Crescent doesn’t take sides; rather, it works to protect civilians and civilian property by upholding international humanitarian law, which Harper described as “the law of armed conflict, the rules that govern warfare.”

It may sound strange that warring factions are supposed to comply with certain international rules, but thanks to an array of agreed-upon rules among nations throughout the world such as the Geneva Conventions that were established after World War II, Harper said it’s a role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to help ensure those rules are followed.

Harper was the guest on the regular monthly “Former Active Duty, Still Boots on the Ground” segment of TownTalk Tuesday.

Harper, a North Carolina native, needed his parents to sign for him to enlist in the Army at age 17. He was in the Army ROTC at NC State, where he earned his commission as a lieutenant. The Army gave him some time to complete law school at Campbell University and he was a JAG (Army attorney) for about seven years before transitioning to the Army Reserve in 2018. During his active duty, he served in Afghanistan as a prosecutor, special victim counsel and an operational law attorney during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Harper currently holds the rank of major and is a deputy regional defense counsel. “I still wear the uniform, just part-time, nowadays,”he said.

Harper advises the Red Cross on international humanitarian law, a specific subset of policies enacted during wartime.

The evolution of International humanitarian law is the result of “repeated carnage and destruction and just lack of humanity that’s in warfare and saying ‘enough is enough,’” Harper said. Through global treaties like the Geneva Conventions, nations across the globe strive for ways to rein in the destruction that war inevitably creates, while protecting innocent civilians and civilian property.

As international humanitarian law has evolved over time, it has put in place protections and a series of rules that serve to protect the innocent in warfare.

Since February, the world has been focused on the events in Ukraine. Reports of shelling shopping areas, apartments and other civilian areas surface regularly, and it’s instances such as these that come to the attention of the International Red Cross.

The Youth Action Campaign is a Red Cross program that introduces students in the 13-23 age range to the basic tenets of international humanitarian law.

The youth advocates as they are called, form teams in their schools and then are given the task of creating and designing public awareness campaigns to educate others about the ins and outs of IHL.

Just in the past year alone, the youth action campaign has reached more than 40,000 individuals, Harper said. “That’s 40,000 individuals who (now) know more about IHL  and how those protections work today,” he said. “It wasn’t the work of some lawyer in DC or some official at a school somewhere – that was the work of students in a classroom and going out and making an impact in their communities.”

Youth who participate in programs like the Youth Action Campaign are helping to support IHL in everyday, real time.

Harper said it’s grass-roots programs like the YAC, as well as stories, interviews and even radio shows that help the country comply with the Geneva Convention of 1949 – whether it’s a group of teens developing a social media campaign to share in the community or participating in a discussion about current IHL issues.

“These rules have to be respected by all sides,” he reiterated. “Every single person’s voice matters.”

“We don’t take sides, we don’t get into the mix of who’s right or wrong because the goal at the end of the day is to reduce suffering. We’re impartial, we’re neutral, because we have to be.”

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To the Moon and Beyond: James E. Webb Program Coming To Perry Library

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The public is invited to attend a special program, To the Moon and Beyond: James E. Webb, on Monday, July 18 at Perry Memorial Library to learn more about the life of James E. Webb, a Granville County native whose role in the early days of NASA propelled the country’s race to the moon and for whom the giant telescope in the news recently is named.

Local historian and Thornton Library’s North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace will lead the discussion of Webb, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. The hourlong program will be held in Perry Library’s Farm Bureau Room.

Webb ran NASA from 1961-1968 and did more for science that perhaps any other government official, according to an information flyer promoting the event.

Come learn about the life and legacy of this local figure.

Sponsored by the two libraries and NASA@My Library, a program based upon work funded by NASA, but opinions, conclusions or recommendations don’t necessarily reflect the views of NASA.

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 07-12-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for July 12, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

Company – Sam’s Furniture and Mattress Center

Job Title and Description – Now hiring for full-time positions.  Up to $17 per hour.

How To Apply – Apply in person.  Stop by the retail store, located at 515 South Garnett Street, in downtown Henderson, NC.

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Company – Henderson Family YMCA

Job Title and Description – Now hiring for Director of Human Resources.  Full-time, professional position.  Looking for individuals who have a passion for helping others, have high energy, and shows enthusiasm.  Candidates should be team players who are organized and self-motivated.  The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson, NC

How To Apply – Apply online at www.hendersonymca.org/get-involved/employment-opportunities.  252-438-2144.

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Company – Carolina Cooling and Heating Inc

Job Title and Description – Immediate need to hire full-time HVAC Service Techs and HVAC Installers.

How To Apply – Apply in person at the CC&H office, located at 465 Industry Drive in Henderson, NC.

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Company – City of Henderson (Government)

Job Title and Description – Currently accepting applications for the following multiple open positions: 1. Administrative Support Specialist in the Public Works Department.  Hiring salary range is $29,400 – $36,700.  Will perform a variety of administrative duties, secretarial duties, and office records processing.  Should be able to work independently conducting office management duties.  Prefer candidates to have some business school education and experience working in an office environment.  2. Acquatics Program Supervisor for the Recreation and Parks Department.  Hiring salary range is $38,900 – $48,600.  Must possess or possess the ability to obtain within 6 months of the hire a Certified Pool Operator certification, along with Red Cross Lifeguard certification, and CPR and First Aid license; and 3. Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor for the Recreation and Parks Department. Hiring salary range is $38,900 – $48,600. Must be 21+ years old. Graduation from a 4 year college with a degree in recreation administration, physical education, or related degree and experience.

How To Apply – Apply online at www.henderson.nc.gov/departments/human_resources/jobs.pnp. Or mail your resume to City of Henderson, Attn: Human Resource Department, P.O. Box 1434, Henderson, NC 27536

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Company – Walmart Distribution Center

Job Title and Description – Maintenance Energy Center Technician Position Open.  Full-Time. $26.45 an hour. Applicants should have 1 year experience in industrial refrigeration (valve rebuilds, working with refrigeration systems); OR 1 year experience with HVAC.  Position duties include: Assist in the repair and maintenance of equipment. Diagnose refrigeration and electrical problems using technical drawings (blueprints, electronic/mechanical schematics) and diagnostic tools (multi-meter, laptop). Operate refrigeration system equipment (compressors, fan units, etc.). Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on equipment (lift trucks, pneumatic systems, material handling equipment, hydraulic equipment, dock equipment, banana room equipment, electronic and electrical equipment).

How To Apply – Apply online at Walmart.com.  Scroll to bottom of home page, and click on careers.  Put in Henderson, NC location, and submit resume.  Or on Staff-1.com website.

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Company – Mako Medical Lab

Job Title and Description – Medical Technologist position open.  Bachelors degree in Medical Technology or Clinical Lab Science with up to 2 years experience in related field.  Duties in part include: oversee technical soundness of work performed. Meet requirements for client service performed by the department, including consultation with clients, data interpretation, and coordination of support with sample custodial.  Review data and reports for accuracy, content and adherence to Company quality control policies.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://makomedical.com, scroll to bottom of homepage and click on careers.

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Company – Skipper’s Forsyths BBQ Restaurant

Job Title and Description – Immediate job openings for Night Manager and Weekend Manager.  Experience in management is required.

How To Apply – Apply in person at restaurant, located at 2362 North Garnett Street in Henderson, NC.  Or call for additional information 252-438-5228.

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Company – Vance County Public Schools

Job Title and Description – Hiring for Part-time Reading Tutors – beginning with school opening in the fall.  Tutors will work September through May.  Hiring everyday citizens who have flexible schedules and the will to make a difference in our school district.

How To Apply – Apply at www.nceducationcorps.org/application and click on Vance County Corps Member Tutor.  For additional information contact: Ashley Bean – email ashleykbean7@gmail.com.

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Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS.  Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast.  This is not a paid ad.

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Local Man Fled Henderson Police, Then Arrested At His Own Home

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HPD Press Release —

In the early morning hours of July 7, 2022, Henderson Police Officers observed Kenny Parker (37) of 130 Tarheel Ln, operating a 2003 Honda Accord in the area of N. Cooper Drive.

When officers attempted to stop Parker, he fled. The pursuit carried on for several miles, finally ending at Parker’s home at 130 Tarheel Lane. Parker then fled from his vehicle and ran into his home. Officers were able to take Parker into custody soon after.

The 2003 Honda Accord was seized under North Carolina’s “Run and Done” Law.

Parker, who had outstanding warrants, was served with an OFA for Assault inflicting serious bodily injury with a bond of $10,000, and OFA for Felony breaking and entering to motor vehicle with a bond of $15,000, and a charge Felony speed to elude with a bond of $40,000.

Magistrate Fuller set the total bond at $65,000 and Parker was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center.

The Local Skinny! Community Watch In Kittrell

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The Kittrell Community Watch will meet on Thursday evening, July 21 at Union Chapel United Methodist Church and President Edward Woodlief invites anyone interested to attend.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church, located in Kittrell at 6535 Raleigh Rd.

Guest speaker is Detective Andrew Bishop with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and he will discuss the use of drones in law enforcement and how these unmanned remote devices are used to fight crime.

Contact Woodlief at 252.767.4044 to learn more.

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Corn, Soybean Field Day Set For Aug. 9 At Oxford Tobacco Research Station

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A corn and soybean field day will be held next month at the Oxford Tobacco Research Station.

The daylong workshop is set to begin at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9 and will feature Ryan Heiniger and Drs. Ron Heiniger and Rachel Vann, according to information from the Warren County Cooperative Extension office.

A breakfast and trade show are just part of the day’s program, sponsored by partners including AgVenture, Granville Farm Bureau, Southern States, the Corn Growers Association of NC, NC Soybean Producers Association and FarmPLUS insurance services.

At least one hour N, O, D and X pesticide recertification credit is available for producers that need it.

Register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/corn-and-soybean-field-day-tickets-377404516067 or call 336.599.1195.

 

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TownTalk: City Council And Regional Water

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The Henderson City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. today (Monday, July 11) for its regular monthly meeting, and tops on the agenda is the swearing-in of the newly elected council members.

Outgoing council member William Burnette will be recognized for his time on the council and then Ola Thorpe-Cooper, Sara Coffey, Garry Daeke and Lamont Noel, who beat Burnette for the Ward 2 seat in the May 17 primary, all will be sworn in.

Because the primary elections were delayed until May, Burnette’s term in office was a little longer than normal and Noel’s term will be a little shorter, but terms of office should be back in synch by the 2024 election cycle.

Among agenda items to be discussed include a grant proposal to provide “stop sticks” for use by local law enforcement to aid in car chases and a clarification of council members’ involvement on various boards and committees.

The recommendation before the council during the meeting will be that no more than four council members serve on a single committee or board and that council members not serve on any citizen committee in a role other than ex officio (non-voting) capacity.

Also before the council for its approval are the minutes from the June 13 meeting, which includes an update regarding the Kerr Lake Regional Water expansion project and extension of Franklin County’s current contract.

Vance, Granville and Warren counties share ownership of the water facility, with Vance County being the managing partner; Franklin County is a customer and recently asked for a seventh amendment to its agreement that spells out a request for 3.45 million gallons of water a day – up from the 450,000 gallons a day it currently receives.

The amendment states that Franklin County be granted an extension of the current contract of $4.37 per gallon, effectively freezing the price it will pay for water for the 48 months after the current contract ends.

The water plant expansion project has been years in the making, but according to the minutes from the June 13 meeting, City Manager Terrell Blackmon said “there seems to be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel regarding the KLRW expansion.”

According to the minutes, the KLRW advisory board voted to accept the GMP for the upgrade and funding has been secured for the project. Next steps include approval from the Local Government Commission and then in a few months’ time, pulling permits for the actual work to begin, hopefully in early 2023.

“At this time, no rate changes are scheduled but there will be increases once the $79,605,000 project begins,” the minutes stated.

Council members in attendance voted unanimously to approve the resolution; Council Member Garry Daeke was absent from the June meeting.

The latest Henderson City Council news and concerns about the Regional Water System.

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